The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Morris L. Johnson, Jr. (MCSN: 330972), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an assistant squad leader serving with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces near Mount Schleuther, New Britain, on 7 March 1944. Suddenly encountering enemy forces while leading a section of his squad up a steep hill, Private First Class Johnson fearlessly continued his advance in the face of intense hostile fire from well entrenched Japanese positions on higher ground. After personally assisting his platoon sergeant in capturing an enemy automatic weapon, he unhesitatingly took charge of the captured gun when his leader was injured, turning it fiercely upon the hostile units and, despite his own wounds, continued firing until the Japanese troops were forced to retreat. Private First Class Johnson’s daring initiative and selfless action in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
SergeantBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine DivisionAction Date:
September 28, 1944
Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 01391The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Morris L. Johnson, Jr. (MCSN: 330972), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group, on 28 September 1944. Pushing forward with his unit in the relentless drive up the beach to the left of the northernmost hill on Peleliu, Sergeant Johnson unhesitatingly exposed himself to the terrific concentration of enemy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire which pinned down his platoon and inflicted serious casualties and, fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, worked diligently in assisting to evacuate the wounded from the danger area. Subsequently returning to the line, he again went forward and, taking a strategic position, persistently spotted Japanese fire and succeeded in killing several enemy snipers before he fell, mortally wounded by a burst of hostile machine-gun fire. An indomitable fighter, Sergeant Johnson, by his daring initiative, determined aggressiveness and cool to the ultimate conquest of the vital Japanese stronghold, and his decisive conduct and valiant devotion to duty throughout the period of fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.